Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey and several county election officials are clashing with the Democratic Secretary of State this week over attempts to introduce more ways for people to register or vote under certain limited circumstances.
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and the Duchess have exchanged a series of controversial letters regarding the changes Hobbs suggested.
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According to the Associated Press, Hobbs has told county recorders that voters who help a hospital or a family member or caregiver who has access to a supportive care facility are unable to assist them, so they can cast their ballots using video conferencing.
Maricopa County election boards helped 10 voters virtually vote during the August Gust primary.
State law allows a “special election board” made up of Republicans and Democrats to meet face-to-face, cast ballots as directed, and return ballots for counting.
Hobbes said video conferencing could meet those parameters, but Ducy disagreed.
In addition, Hobbes said he plans to set up a telephone hotline to help potential voters and voters. Voters who call the hotline before the last date of registration will also not be able to register online or vote with a paper form. Just like they sign the first paper form – even if the signature comes after the deadline.
“The integrity of the election also requires a deep commitment from election officials: a commitment to increase voter suffrage and to simplify the voting process in the framework of our constitution and law,” he said.
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Current Arizona rules, voters who file a pre-deadline registration form that can resolve issues after the deadline. The question at hand is whether voter registration initiated by phone should be counted.
Hobbes argues that the appointment of a special election board will ensure voters are not disenfranchised amid the COVID-19 epidemic, Ducy and others say the initiative would be illegal.
“The responsibility of election officials to uphold our constitution and laws is not just a crucial responsibility, but should stand as a final test of whether changes to our election policies and procedures are appropriate – no exceptions,” Ducie wrote to Hobbs on Tuesday.
The next day, the governor asked Republican Attorney General Mark Branovich to weigh it.
Ultimately, county officials will have to decide whether or not to implement Hobbes’ guidance – and many do not trust the security and integrity of those plans.
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Those who support Ducy argue that a tweak in the process at this stage would be detrimental.
However, eight progressive groups defended Hobbs, and labeled Ducie’s objection to his efforts, “an attempt to remove Arizona’s most vulnerable communities.”
